Collaborating for Impact: SEEU at the University of Birmingham and University of Cambridge
The Max van der Stoel Institute delegation from South East European University (SEEU), led by Prof. Veli Kreci and Prof. Mennan Selimi, recently visited the University of Birmingham (UB) and University of Cambridge (UCAM) to explore the next phase of collaborative research initiatives. The visit comes at a pivotal moment, as the academic partnership with University of Birmingham enters its fifth year and both the UK and North Macedonia deepen bilateral academic and policy ties.
Coordinated by Dr. William Avis, the SEEU–UB partnership liaison, the visit included a series of productive meetings across departments and research centers. A key meeting was held with Dr. Abigail Taylor at City-REDI, a hybrid academic-policy institute recognized for its impactful work in governance, transport, economic development and environmental sustainability. City-REDI serves as a model for how academic research can directly inform and shape public policy. The delegation also met with Jake Thrush, Policy Advisor at West Midlands Transport, who shared the region’s ambitious vision for a fully integrated public transport system—one that enables seamless connectivity “anywhere to anywhere” while promoting economic inclusion, community resilience, and environmental responsibility. Another important exchange focused on road infrastructure planning with the Civil Engineering department, where discussions centered on building resilient and future-ready cities through sustainable transport investment and strategic urban mobility frameworks. An equally valuable part of the visit was the meeting with Prof. Rachel M. Gisselquist, Professor in Governance and Development and Director of the Governance and Social Development Resource Centre (GSDRC). The discussion focused on the role of governance research and policy advisory work in advancing development outcomes, particularly in complex and transitional settings.
The visit reaffirmed the strong commitment between the two universities and resulted in the agreement of a roadmap for future joint project proposals, aimed at addressing key challenges identified by industry, policy, and society—through targeted knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Following the Birmingham meetings, the SEEU delegation continued their academic tour with a visit to the University of Cambridge, where they visited King’s College, Queen’s College, and Trinity College. The visit offered not only the opportunity to reflect on centuries of academic tradition but also to explore potential future academic exchanges. A highlight of the visit was the stop at the Cambridge Union, the oldest debating society in the world—an inspiring symbol of intellectual discourse and civic engagement.
